Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 23: Government today said the raising and widening of flood spill channel Hokersar from Narbal to Zainkote is awaiting forest clearance.
In a written reply to a question of MLA Noor Mohammad in Lower House, Minister incharge PHE, I&FC Department stated that the department has already executed some raising works on right side of the flood spill channel at Khushipora.
“Further improvement by way of re-sectioning, raising is proposed during the current financial year under the approved ‘Project of Priority Work- Comprehensive Plan for Flood Management works on river Jehlum Phase -1’ costing Rs. 399.29 crore from Shariefabad to Zainkote-Hokersar area,” he said.
However for raising and widening of flood spill channel from Hokersar to Narbal and the proposal for formal permission for construction of drainage channel across Hokersar wet land has already been referred to State Forest Department, said the Minister, adding as soon as permission comes the department will start the execution of works.
In his supplementary, the MLA Noor Mohammad asked what has Forest Department to do with restoration of flood channels. “It is a wet land that is the reason why we are seeking NOC from Forest Department. We will look into and take up the work as quickly as possible,” replied the Minister.
In his second supplementary, Noor Mohammad asked when Government would start the second phase of the project as paddy land from Khushipora to Zankote has been affected by floods. “We will complete the work which has already been approved,” the Minister replied.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel